One morning last week in a golf course in Antipolo, I was chatting with my 18-year old caddy trainee and was inquiring about her plans for her life. Then as our golf cart turned from the shrub into a clearing, I saw a rainbow in the distance, pointed to it, and I said, “Uy, ayon, may bahaghari. Pumikit ka at ipagdasal mo ang iyong pangarap, at pagpapalain ka ng Diyos.” (Look, there’s a rainbow. Close your eyes, and pray for your intentions and God will bless you.) Then her face brightened up believing that God was looking out for her.
My caddy responded, “Ganon ba, sir?” I smiled, and said, “Haha, naisip ko lang yan.” Then I nudged her, and said, “Pero alam mo ba na ang bahaghari ay simbolo ng katapatan ng Diyos sa Kaniyang mga pangako?” I told her that God has a beautiful plan for her life, and that she should believe in Him and trust that He will work out His purpose and promises in her life. “Mahal ka ng Diyos; hindi ka Niya pababayaan.”
Let me share two reflections on this.
Just today as I was reading my bible, God promised that if I ask, I will receive; if I seek, I will find. (Matt 7:7+) You can’t imagine what a breath of fresh air that was for me, because I have begun to lose hope about a desired improvement in my lot and have conditioned myself to accept things as they are and to move forward. Of course, I’m not unfamiliar with this verse, and have read it many times. But even if I receive mannah day after day after day ad nauseum, God is patient, and He releases fresh blessings every morning. And at the right time, He hardens not our heart. My point? There’s nothing like having a little diversity in our lives to soften our hearts and become once again sensitive to God’s loving promises.
My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.
Ps 119:50
Speaking of diversity, people who suffer greatly sometimes ask the Lord, “Why me?” It’s a valid lamentation. Yet as much as we are surprised when our lives are suddenly confronted with a serious problem or a loss, I think it is appropriate that when our lives are going well, we should stop and join the psalmist who asks, “What is man that you are mindful of him, and a son of man that you care for him?” (Ps 8:5 NABRE)
It never stops to bring me great joy whenever I reflect on how the Creator and supreme owner of the universe would bind Himself with a promise of great favor to an infinitesimally small and absolutely undeserving piece of dirt like myself. “For I am nothing but dust and ashes.” (Gen 18:27) Yet not only does He make promises, He is true to His word and He keeps and fulfills all His promises! And, oh, how he lavishes us with beautiful and hope-inspiring promises.
Not that we are ungrateful, but that we should be in awe at God’s amazing love. It is hard to believe sometimes, but it’s true: You are beloved by God. We all are His beloved children. Whether you are enjoying a comfortable life, or passing through storms in your life, God’s love endures forever, and nothing will separate you from His love through Christ. And that IS the good news we ought to spread around. Mahal ka ng Diyos!
Let me end by encouraging you to share God’s promises with those around you. When people ask you for prayers, comfort them with a word of God’s promise. Sprinkle your conversation with your friends with a word of God’s promise. Don’t just leave a monetary tip for the person who served you well; let them know God’s promise of love. People need to hear from the Lord. Be their rainbow connection.
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news.
Isaiah 52:7
To more connections to rainbows. Good morning and God bless.
How true and inspiring are ur reflections, Tito Eddie. From an infinitesimally small and absolutely undeserving piece of dirt – me.
Thank you and more of these please.
God bless the work of ur hands.